Lleyton is on the entry list for this indoor hardcourt tournament in Rotterdam.

This is the first time he has entered this Richard Krajicek-directed tournament, which, health-permitting, boasts a glittering field led by the top two players in the world, Federer and Ferrero.

The website is in english as well as dutch, although you may find the language thread in this forum handy.:D

Go Lleyton!!:D :D

http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/

dagmar7

02-09-2004, 01:07 PM

The list is from the official site. The comments are my own.:p

The provisional list of participants in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament 2004:

February 13 updated list...Philippoussis, Grosjean, Novak, El Aynaoui, Ljubicic and Rusedski have all withdrawn. Karlovic is no longer in the maindraw or qualifying; nor is Ancic. Davydenko, Stepanek, Pavel, Koubek and Corretja join Rochus as new entrants in the maindraw. The top eight will be seeded accordingly.

::: Roger Federer...the obvious favourite and defending champion in doubles; has yet to lose a singles match in 2004

::: Juan Carlos Ferrero...missed d.c. with a leg injury

::: Rainer Schuettler...has yet to win a singles match in 2004. He can thank me for the reverse jinx.

::: Paradorn Srichaphan...9-3 to start the year; seems in pretty good form

::: Tim Henman...5-2 to start the year; this tournament launched last year's comeback.

::: Lleyton Hewitt...9-1 to start the year; hasn't left Australia in about six months; how will he react to d.c. disappointment?

::: Sjeng Schalken...fresh off d.c. victory against the dangerous (yes, I know) Canadian team; lost heavily to Roddick in fourth rd of AO, winning only six games.

::: Martin Verkerk...in Milan; lost qf to Carraz...troubled by a virus; tough to assess

::: Tommy Robredo...in Milan; lost qf to Ancic...good start to the year in singles and doubles

::: Max Mirnyi...defending champion in singles and doubles had a bad start to the year, but is just coming off d.c. heroics against Russia.

::: Sargis Sargsian...in Milan; lost 2nd rd to Kucera...okay start to the year, but lost badly to Kucera in Milan

::: Mikhail Youzhny...in Milan; lost qf to Dupuis...before Milan, only one win and four losses, including a crucial one in d.c. tie with Belarusse

::: Nikolay Davydenko...1st rd win over Verkerk at AO, then lost to Olivier Patience

::: Raemon Sluiter...in Milan; lost 2nd rd to Johansson...Reasonable start for last year's finalist; another player who really goes hot and cold; the surface should suit his game, however...

::: Andrei Pavel...Also on the comeback trail. A good showing at the AO--lost 4th rd to Ferrero--and a good effort in the tie against Switzerland.

::: Radek Stepanek...in Milan; lost 1st rd to Kucera...record now an alarming 1-6, including two closely contested defeats in tie with Spain

::: Olivier Rochus...looking for his first win; some injury trouble perhaps--see post later in thread

::: Stefan Koubek...a distressing 1-5 start to the year; his only win against Philippoussis

::: John van Lottum

::: Goran Ivanisevic...in Milan; lost 2nd rd to Robredo

::: Alex Corretja...in Milan; lost 1st rd to Robredo...by the scorelines, hard fought matches, but only one win so far to show for it

:angel:

Random fact: Arthur Ashe won this tournament three times, the most of any player.:worship:

tournesol

02-09-2004, 01:23 PM

The list is from the official site. The comments are my own.:p

If anyone drops out, Olivier Rochus will be in the main draw, as he is the number one qualifier. Corretja is also in qualifying...

Random fact: Arthur Ashe won this tournament three times, the most of any player.:worship:

:wavey: dagmar thanks for bringing some fresh air and thoughts

if i heard correctly grosjean is out for 6 weeks after his injury at AO (source some french tv channel)

re ollie: he had knee problems already in sydney, haven't heard anything since then

dagmar7

02-09-2004, 01:38 PM

:wavey: back to dani :D :D

Oh no...I'm sorry to hear the injury to Grosjean is so serious.:sad:

I hope the (real--that's for his future wife, Marly ;)) younger Rochus can play. We need more small players amidst all the giants at this tournament.:p

I wish I could chat more, but I'm on the clock as it were.:o

Murkofan

02-09-2004, 07:19 PM

I adore Ollie :hearts: :hearts:

dagmar7

02-11-2004, 12:29 PM

Olie :D...since Elke told me he was sort of a bad-tempered diva, I've become even more of a fan, I think.:o

From the site...I thought this was an interesting promotional idea, but I imagine it would be pretty difficult to play tennis on a moving, even a slow moving, surface.

Top tennis stars perform on floating court
ABN AMRO WORLD TENNIS TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF ON ROTTERDAM RIVER

Last yearís ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was launched literally above Rotterdamís river Maas with a tennis match on the famous Erasmus Bridge; this year's opening event is a "floating" match actually on the water. This spectacular kick-off, in which several of the world's top tennis players will again take part, will start immediately after the official draw at 14.00 hrs on Sunday, 15 February.

Around two o'clock in the afternoon, a push-barge will ferry a pontoon measuring 50 by 14 metres from the Willems Bridge for a short trip down river towards the Erasmus Bridge in the centre of Rotterdam. For the occasion a tennis court has been installed on the pontoon, complete with boarding like that used in Ahoyí Rotterdam. Four top tennis stars, complete with ballboys and girls, will conduct the only outdoor "match" of the 2004 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament while being pushed down river. It will be a fantastic setting for a demonstration of tennis at the very highest level.

When it reaches Boompjeskade, the pontoon will sail close to the quayside so that the public will have a good view of the court and the players. Spectators on the Erasmus Bridge will also have a perfect view of the spectacle, which is being organised by Ahoyí Rotterdam in collaboration with Rotterdam Marketing and the ATP.

tournesol

02-11-2004, 12:35 PM

that should be interesting, i'll do my best to watch it provided it's aired

dagmar7

02-11-2004, 12:41 PM

Yeah, I thought it was an intriguing idea. This tournament really seems pretty well organized. I updated the players list so we can easily keep track of the form/fitness of the competition.

Okay, I am a bit :crazy: perhaps...:p

tournesol

02-11-2004, 12:51 PM

Yeah, I thought it was an intriguing idea. This tournament really seems pretty well organized. I updated the players list so we can easily keep track of the form/fitness of the competition.

Okay, I am a bit :crazy: perhaps...:p

spring mood?

dagmar7

02-12-2004, 01:31 PM

Article found in the Herald Sun.:D Leo Schlink seems to assume that Mark will play also, but then he gives Sebastien Grosjean's name too. hmmm...does he know something we don't? or something less than we do?...

Edit: oh and :rolleyes: at the headline--trying to grab viewers and alarm lleykis.;)

Hewitt back on the singles scene
Leo Schlink
13feb04

STUNG by Davis Cup disappointment, Lleyton Hewitt embarked yesterday on a search for grand slam glory and a single-figure ranking.

Hewitt flew out of Adelaide bound for the ABN/AMRO tournament in Rotterdam from Monday, when he will renew acquaintances with teammate Mark Philippoussis.
Hewitt's Australian Open conqueror Roger Federer heads a star-studded field, which also includes Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rainer Schuettler, Tim Henman and Sebastien Grosjean.

Hewitt, 22, is ranked 13th after ending a fractured 2003 at No. 17.

But he is only 30 rankings points behind 10th-placed Paradorn Srichaphan and, with a decent showing next week, can make significant inroads.

Hewitt will face another rankings challenge next month when he tries to maintain his position despite, at this stage, having no plans to defend the title he won in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The South Australian also won the Indian Wells Masters Series event last year, meaning he again needs to excel in the Californian desert to hold his ground.

"My main goal this year is to do well at the slams," Hewitt said. "My schedule is a little bit different, but the aim is to peak at the slams."

Hewitt is expected to break back into the top five by the end of the year, given his moderate form at the majors last year and the fact he played only 13 tournaments.

After Indian Wells, Hewitt has only a modest amount of rankings points to defend.

Hewitt has been relaxing and practising in Adelaide following Australia's 4-1 first-round Davis Cup loss to Sweden.

The right-hander, shattered at the team failure, was nevertheless content with the form that carried him to a straight-sets victory over teenager Robin Soderling.

Hewitt will contest the Miami Masters event next month before preparing for the claycourt season, encompassing possible appearances in Barcelona, Rome, Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Paris.

Danni

02-13-2004, 04:47 AM

lol, it didn't work very well....don't think i even read that headline in my newspaper this morning :shrug: :p

dagmar7

02-13-2004, 12:48 PM

lol...I don't really think it would fool too many people.;)

I guess they thought it would make a better headline than: "Hewitt plays atp tournament as scheduled," although maybe that's strange in its own right.:o :mad: :p

The ticker at the abn amro website says this so I guess it's official...:sad:

Philippoussis en Grosjean niet naar Rotterdam

Rochus and Karlovic should go to the maindraw then. Mario Ancic :) becomes the top seed in qualifying.

KaseyL

02-13-2004, 02:01 PM

lol...I don't really think it would fool too many people.;)

nope LOL

Rochus and Karlovic should go to the maindraw then. Mario Ancic :) becomes the top seed in qualifying.

Yeah for Rochus! :bounce:

Edit: oops :o I forgot to add what I really wanted to say: :o
I have coverage of the tournament, as of Sunday, so I'll try to post some impressions and screencaps here (IF /when I'll find some time, can't predict next week).

tournesol

02-13-2004, 02:10 PM

Edit: oops :o I forgot to add what I really wanted to say: :o
I have coverage of the tournament, as of Sunday, so I'll try to post some impressions and screencaps here (IF /when I'll find some time, can't predict next week).

:wavey: ingrid

which channel?

KaseyL

02-13-2004, 02:13 PM

:wavey: ingrid

which channel?

It's on Ned2. They even show the draw live on Sunday (and hope to catch a glimpse of Lleyton and that floating court too LOL).

tournesol

02-13-2004, 02:33 PM

It's on Ned2. They even show the draw live on Sunday (and hope to catch a glimpse of Lleyton and that floating court too LOL).

:( i get it but the reception is awful

KaseyL

02-13-2004, 02:54 PM

:( i get it but the reception is awful
I usually get lousy quality on Ned1.

dagmar7

02-13-2004, 09:49 PM

Players list has been updated. Six of the originally listed players have withdrawn...two (Mark Philippoussis and Greg Rusedski) for personal reasons. I wonder how that doping hearing is going.:unsure:

The list for qualifying is up. It is quite different from the original one.

Oh, and Ingrid, any screencaps and impressions would be very :cool:, whenever you get the chance. I know you are very busy.

dagmar7

02-14-2004, 04:10 PM

spring mood?

Right on the first guess! :)

I have somewhat obsessively updated the players list again with more facts re. form...

:crazy:

No teenagers in this main draw. It really is a veteran-heavy field. Some younger players--Youzhny and Robredo are twenty-one I think, and, of course, Lleyton, Roger Federer, Davydenko, Nieminen and Olivier Rochus are youthful, but a lot of older guys.

Scotso

02-14-2004, 04:59 PM

good luck Lleyt :D

dagmar7

02-14-2004, 06:35 PM

Okay...this is a bit surprising. It looks like Lleyton is going to play doubles with his coach.

erm...interesting...:cuckoo: :hearts: :confused:...here is the draw.

1st round

Bhupathi/Mirnyi
Kohlmann/Schuettler

Hemmes Jr./Van Scheppingen
Erlich/Ram

Black/Ullyett
Corretja/Costa

Clement/Robredo
Nieminen/Pavel

Hanley/Stepanek
Cibulec/Pala

Sargsian/Zimonjic
Palmer/Vizner

Hewitt/Rasheed
Sluiter/Verkerk

Bjorkman/Johansson
Damm/Suk

kim&lleyton

02-14-2004, 07:25 PM

LLeyton is playing doubles with Rasheet..... But who is he????

dagmar7

02-14-2004, 07:49 PM

LLeyton is playing doubles with Rasheet..... But who is he????

Roger Rasheed is Lleyton's coach. He is a thirty-three year old ex-player.

I imagine Ll had planned to play with Mark P., but that was before Philippoussis' withdrawal.

I guess he must really want to practise doubles.:)

Zoecrick

02-14-2004, 09:35 PM

Hey!! Someone on Lleyton hewitt.biz (lleytonland)said that there was an interview with him on the 14th of Feb in Dutch paper the Telegraaf, could anyone help me in finding it or translating a bit of it? Sorry to bother you but I couldn't find it!!!

dagmar7

02-15-2004, 11:26 AM

Couldn't find any interview...sorry.:sad:

The singles draw is up. Ll faces Gonzalez first. I guess they'll probably play Tuesday as the latter is in the Vina del Maar final.

Potentially a pretty strenuous first two rounds with Johansson up next. The other half of that quarter--Schuettler, Koubek, Rochus and Stepanek looks pretty weak (sorry Olie :o)--between the four of them, they have won two singles matches this year (see notes on the players list.) Tough first round match for Henman and potentially for Federer

1e ronde

Federer
Clement

Pavel
Youzhny

Bjorkman
Qualifier

Robredo
Henman

Schuettler
Koubek

Rochus
Stepanek

Qualifier
Johansson

Gonzalez
Hewitt

Verkerk
Nieminen

Costa
Qualifier

Sargsian
Mirnyi

Davydenko
Srichaphan

Schalken
Ivanisevic

Corretja
Sluiter

Van Lottum
Kucera

Qualifier
Ferrero

possie

02-15-2004, 01:02 PM

Thanks everyone for the information :kiss: I think its pretty cool that Lley is still going to play doubles with his coach :yeah: Hope they do well.

dagmar7

02-15-2004, 02:24 PM

Anne, I love that positive attitude.:D

I think it's great that Lleyton is playing doubles, but I was a little surprised as to his partner. What's next? Doubles with Hayden? Although that would be pretty charming now that I think about it...:)

In any case, the dynamic duo is up against the host-country dutch team tomorrow...the second match on centre court. Here is the oop from the official site...

From the official site: Ll won't play until Wednesday, which makes sense given Gonzalez's schedule. Ferrero receives the same consideration, doubtless due to his injury. Also, Sjeng Schalken says that he looked up to Goran Ivanisevic as a child. I wasn't aware that the age difference between the two players was so great. hmmm....

Schalken dares to enter the fray
15-2-2004 | 16:42

ďIn a tournament like this, there are no easy first-round opponents.Ē Sjeng Schalken could not have been clearer about his opponent, Goran Ivanisevic, who was issued a wild card for the main tournament. The Dutchman, who is seeded seventh, beat Ivanisevic during their last two encounters (in St. Petersburg and Auckland respectively). Both matches were played in 2000, and both went to three sets. Schalken: ďIíve been a Goran fan since I was a child, and I think itíll be a great match.Ē

The draw did not cause any surprises for the tournament favourites. Number one seed Roger Federer meets Arnaud Clement - ďplayers with contrasting stylesĒ, according to Tournament Director Richard Krajicek.
Juan Carlos Ferrero will play Dennis van Scheppingen, the fourth Dutchman to make it to the main tournament. The Spanish number two has asked to play his opening match on Wednesday. Australian Lleyton Hewitt will not make a court appearance before Wednesday either. His opponent, Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, will play Gustavo Kuerten in todayís final of the Vina del Mar tournament in Argentina.

Paradorn Srichaphan has drawn one of the Russians. The Thai, who is seeded fourth, faces Nikolay Davydenko. Should he win, heíll play either the reigning champion, Byelorussian Max Mirnyi, or Armenian Sargis Sargsian.

Martin Verkerk (8) faces Jarkko Nieminen, the punchy yet steady baseliner from Finland. Raemon Sluiter, who, having received a wild card, was admitted to the main tournament following a large number of withdrawals, faces Alex Corretja, recipient of the fourth and final wild card. Krajicek favoured the Spaniard over Dennis van Scheppingen because the tournament has benefited from Corretjaís presence in a wider sense.

Sjengster

02-15-2004, 10:37 PM

Not too much of a surprise when you consider how young Ivanisevic started, he was reaching the Wimbledon final for the first time in 1992 when Schalken was 16 years old. But he's now admitted to being both a Federer fan and a Goran fan... I can't think of anyone else out there who's said that about another player. I hope he doesn't have too much respect for Ivanisevic, although the head-to-head would suggest not, unlike Federer.

possie

02-16-2004, 12:20 AM

Anne, I love that positive attitude.:D

I think it's great that Lleyton is playing doubles, but I was a little surprised as to his partner. What's next? Doubles with Hayden? Although that would be pretty charming now that I think about it...:)

Yes, positive vibes all the way! I know Lley's going to do well this year!

*Sends out more positive vibes*

tournesol

02-16-2004, 08:04 AM

Couldn't find any interview...sorry.:sad:

The singles draw is up. Ll faces Gonzalez first. I guess they'll probably play Tuesday as the latter is in the Vina del Maar final.

Potentially a pretty strenuous first two rounds with Johansson up next. The other half of that quarter--Schuettler, Koubek, Rochus and Stepanek looks pretty weak (sorry Olie :o)--between the four of them, they have won two singles matches this year (see notes on the players list.) Tough first round match for Henman and potentially for Federer

1e ronde

Federer
Clement

Pavel
Youzhny

Bjorkman
Qualifier

Robredo
Henman

Schuettler
Koubek

Rochus
Stepanek

Qualifier
Johansson

Gonzalez
Hewitt

Verkerk
Nieminen

Costa
Qualifier

Sargsian
Mirnyi

Davydenko
Srichaphan

Schalken
Ivanisevic

Corretja
Sluiter

Van Lottum
Kucera

Qualifier
Ferrero

LL got a rather tough client for a first round

clement vs federer nice rehearsal before next dc tie

tournesol

02-16-2004, 11:52 AM

ollie lost in 3 sets

in the double 3-0 for LL and his coach vs sluiter/verkerk

star

02-16-2004, 12:00 PM

LL got a rather tough client for a first round

clement vs federer nice rehearsal before next dc tie

But Gonzales is going to be flying in from Chile after his win in Vina del Mar, so he might be a bit jet lagged. Plus, we haven't known him to exactly string victories together.

Sort of :topic: but, Gonzo has a wacky schedule. He's going from SA to Europe and then back to NA. I wonder what's up with that.

Jess

02-16-2004, 12:04 PM

Ll and Roger are now 3-3 in the first set :rolleyes:

tournesol

02-16-2004, 12:13 PM

But Gonzales is going to be flying in from Chile after his win in Vina del Mar, so he might be a bit jet lagged. Plus, we haven't known him to exactly string victories together.

Sort of :topic: but, Gonzo has a wacky schedule. He's going from SA to Europe and then back to NA. I wonder what's up with that.

i count more on the change of surface than on jetlag and maybe the fact that after a victory it's not always easy to immediately refocus

edit: i need a straight sets victory to be reassured

5-4 LL/rasheed

tournesol

02-16-2004, 12:17 PM

1 set 6-4 for LL/rasheed

Jess

02-16-2004, 12:19 PM

They just won the first set :) Still not sure why they're doing this... I suppose he's got a couple of days to rest before playing singles.

I don't think I'm too worried about his match with Gonzales. He won't be easy but after a huge journey to get there a a change of surface he probably won't be at his best.

tournesol

02-16-2004, 12:26 PM

3-0 second set

i think playing doubles may help to get match feeling without having to bear the pressure

kim4eva

02-16-2004, 12:30 PM

pretty :cool: that Lleyton's playing doubles, it's pretty rare these days for top ten atp players...

Jess

02-16-2004, 12:34 PM

Yeah I guess it's less pressurised and maybe Roger can help him more if they're playing together :unsure:
And at 5-0 in the second set it seems to be working quite well ;)

tournesol

02-16-2004, 12:41 PM

Yeah I guess it's less pressurised and maybe Roger can help him more if they're playing together :unsure:
And at 5-0 in the second set it seems to be working quite well ;)

LL may be wants to proove to the world once and for all that his coach knows about tennis after all :p

Jess

02-16-2004, 12:42 PM

;) that might be it - prove he can actually play tennis :p

Jess

02-16-2004, 12:44 PM

6-4, 6-1 - now I can go off an do something useful with my day ;) rather than sitting watching tennis online! :)
Well done Lleyton and Roger :bounce:

tournesol

02-16-2004, 12:44 PM

6-4; 6-1

well done guys :)

tournesol

02-16-2004, 12:46 PM

6-4, 6-1 - now I can go off an do something useful with my day ;) rather than sitting watching tennis online! :)
Well done Lleyton and Roger :bounce:

worrying till the next match ;)

kim4eva

02-16-2004, 12:46 PM

haha...i remembered when i saw Kim at aussie opens she was training with Marc and when they were practicing, Kim always plays heaps better than Marc :p

poor Marc...beaten by a girl! :lol:

star

02-16-2004, 12:48 PM

3-0 second set

i think playing doubles may help to get match feeling without having to bear the pressure

I think Lleyton wants to get some match play. Don't we all think that Lleyton plays better when he plays more?

I wouldn't want him to play doubles in all his tournaments though. But, I think it's wise for him to get out there and get the feel of the ball and the court. And if he plays with Roger, he can withdraw whenever he wants without disappointing a partner.

tournesol

02-16-2004, 12:58 PM

And if he plays with Roger, he can withdraw whenever he wants without disappointing a partner.

good point

duck

02-16-2004, 01:00 PM

I think Lleyton wants to get some match play. Don't we all think that Lleyton plays better when he plays more?

God, yes. Last season was ample proof of that.

I wouldn't want him to play doubles in all his tournaments though. But, I think it's wise for him to get out there and get the feel of the ball and the court. And if he plays with Roger, he can withdraw whenever he wants without disappointing a partner.

It can't hurt, I suppose. Nice win, too.

tournesol

02-16-2004, 01:14 PM

God, yes. Last season was ample proof of that.

It can't hurt, I suppose. Nice win, too.

winning is a matter of habit, i'd love LL to get addicted to it again :D

KaseyL

02-16-2004, 01:28 PM

:wavey:

:D for the doubles win!

Quote from the Dutch duo re Lleyton and Roger (own translation): "It was up to us to show something (in view of trying to have a new good Dutch DC doubles team). We were fit and fiery, but we got just ticked away" (other translation might be "rapped away", depends on what the Dutch meant with "weggetikt". :confused: )
Verkerk: "I didn't serve too well, but Hewitt returned tremendously. :yeah: We deserved this loss because we couldn't do any better."

Roger had last been on the tour in 1992... Sluiter commenting: "He apparently must have been in a training camp the past ten years then!" :p

tournesol

02-16-2004, 01:33 PM

:wavey:

:D for the doubles win!

Quote from the Dutch duo re Lleyton and Roger (own translation): "It was up to us to show something (in view of trying to have a new good Dutch DC doubles team). We were fit and fiery, but we got just ticked away" (other translation might be "rapped away", depends on what the Dutch meant with "weggetikt".)
Verkerk: "I didn't serve too well, but Hewitt returned tremendously. :yeah: We deserved this loss because we couldn't do any better."

Roger had last been on the tour in 1992... Sluiter: "It seems then that he has been in a training camp the past ten years!" :p

Hi,everybody.
Lleyton ever won Double final in us 2000 , is it true?
Who he played with?

duck

02-16-2004, 04:05 PM

Hi,everybody.
Lleyton ever won Double final in us 2000 , is it true?
Who he played with?

Yes, with Max Mirnyi 6-4, 5-7, 7-6.

He lost in the semis of the singles to
Sampras.

star

02-16-2004, 04:47 PM

I'm in the chatroom at the Rotterdam tournament now.

I need SO much help with the dutch.

zij is heelmaal een bitch.

Williams Sistahs -- zijn erruh

gedrild en bitchy

Pierce lijkt me pas een bitch

possie

02-16-2004, 05:23 PM

Cool, Lley and Roger won! :D Can't wait to hear about their next game :yeah:

kit

02-16-2004, 07:04 PM

Well done guys!!!! :yeah: :worship:

dagmar7

02-16-2004, 10:26 PM

Wow! I'm very surprised, but in a really good way.:D

I didn't think they would win, let alone with this score. That will teach me to scoff, I suppose.;)

I hope Lleyton does prove me wrong about Roger...that would be great!

Not only no Ll tomorrow nor any Ferrero, but also no Roger Federer. He doesn't have any reason that I'm aware of to go so late. Maybe he just wants to show that he can ask for late starts as well.

dagmar7

02-16-2004, 10:35 PM

Not too much of a surprise when you consider how young Ivanisevic started, he was reaching the Wimbledon final for the first time in 1992 when Schalken was 16 years old. But he's now admitted to being both a Federer fan and a Goran fan... I can't think of anyone else out there who's said that about another player. I hope he doesn't have too much respect for Ivanisevic, although the head-to-head would suggest not, unlike Federer.

Now that the match in question is over...

I see that it is possible: childhood idol/idol of youth...why quibble over semantics?;)

I think there are lots of players who have tennis idols though and admit as much. Didn't Marat Safin say that Sampras was a "god" to him after he defeated him at the US Open in 2000? Then there's the (in)famous Agassi poster that was still on Lleyton's wall when he defeated him in Adelaide. It may be dangerous to be a mentor/idol, however, as the above instances suggest: also see Lleyton/Pat Rafter; arguably Rafael Nadal/Carlos Moya and now, of course, Ivanisevic and Sjeng Schalken.:D

I don't wish to detract from the unique virtues of Sjeng Schalken, whom I like and admire--he's just not unique in this respect. Also, I'm sure I've heard numerous players--both past and present--express their wonder over the glory of Roger Federer and so forth.

NOMAD

02-17-2004, 03:46 AM

Column from ABN website

Column Daily Bulletin Tuesday
16-2-2004 | 22:32:49

Iím being followed by a camera crew at the moment. Theyíre shooting a sort of television diary during the tournament week. As a result, I really have to mark my words when Iím having a private conversation. Mind you, Iíve found a few ways around this problem. I either place my hand on the tiny microphone that they pinned to my jacket, or I hit the Ďoffí button (which I can meanwhile find with the precision of a surgeon).

Inspection remains an important concept. I was refused access to the VIP village yesterday because I was not wearing a badge. Although it would seem that security is up to scratch, it does go to show that fame can be pretty short-lived.

I have a feeling that everything is pretty much under control. So far so good, that is. I had a bit of a scare when Lleyton Hewitt slipped during his doubles match. :mad: Luckily he was alright. :worship: :D It was fantastic too see him play. He has so much energy that the floodlights burn a little brighter when heís on court. :angel: I have a pretty good feeling that Iíll be free tomorrow night and I hope youíll enjoy watching him as much as I will.

Richard Krajicek Tournament Director

Scotso

02-17-2004, 05:06 AM

lol, nice dubs win Lleyt :D

CooCooCachoo

02-17-2004, 07:14 AM

Inspection remains an important concept. I was refused access to the VIP village yesterday because I was not wearing a badge. Although it would seem that security is up to scratch, it does go to show that fame can be pretty short-lived.

:D LOL

duck

02-17-2004, 08:37 AM

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- Lleyton Hewitt liked his chances in a field including three of the world's top six players and No. 1 Roger Federer at the ABN Amro event on Monday.

"It's a very good field. I'm capable of winning the tournament if I play my best tennis," the sixth-seeded Hewitt said after he and 34-year-old coach Roger Rasheed beat Dutch doubles favorites Martin Verkerk and Raemon Sluiter 6-4, 6-1.

Hewitt, who won his 20th career singles title in Sydney in January but hasn't played since the Davis Cup more than a week ago, said he was still adjusting to the indoor court, but was looking forward to facing the likes of world No. 3 Juan Carlos Ferrero and No. 6 Rainer Schuettler.

lol, I didn't know he was playing dubs with RR :o Good one Lleyts :yeah:

star

02-17-2004, 12:21 PM

It is true about Lleyton's charisma. He brings lots of wattage to the court. I've noticed that about some players. They bring excitement just by stepping onto the court. I never saw McEnroe, but a friend of mine said that was the way it was when he came onto the court.

dagmar7

02-17-2004, 01:15 PM

What gracious words from Richard Krajicek!:) I really enjoy his column--he had interesting comments about the issues surrounding wild cards. He has a good sense of humour too.

...and, of course, I totally agree about the charisma-factor. Big surprise, I know!:o :D

The following gives more details on Rasheed's improbably comeback.

Rasheed's perfect return
Leo Schlink
18feb04

ROGER Rasheed has completed one of the most improbable comebacks to international sport, forging to a first-round doubles victory with Lleyton Hewitt in Rotterdam.

Playing on the ATP circuit for the first time since January 1993, Rasheed combined with Hewitt for a 6-4 6-1 triumph over Dutchmen Raemon Sluiter and Martin Verkerk in the ABN AMRO tournament.
"He really surprised me," Hewitt said, referring to his coach's feat of not once double-faulting or losing serve.

"He hit the ball really well. He shanked a couple in the second game of the match but, after that, he played great."

Rasheed, 35 next month, had not played at tour level since losing in the first round of the '93 Australian Open. Back injuries ended his career.

Eager for court time before playing singles against Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, Hewitt asked tournament director Richard Krajicek for a wildcard into the doubles following the withdrawal of Mark Philippoussis.

Expecting to be rejected after telling Krajicek that Rasheed was to be his partner, Hewitt was delighted to test his game against Sluiter and Verkerk.

Sluiter was impressed with Rasheed, who has kept fit by coaching and playing SANFL with Sturt before running a health and lifestyle business in Adelaide.

"I suspect he's been confined to a training camp for the past 10 years," he said.

Without a ranking, Rasheed needed a wildcard to partner Hewitt.

Rasheed joked that his performance showed Australia had another Davis Cup option.

Rasheed and Hewitt will next face either Czechs Martin Damm and Cyril Suk or Swedes Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Johansson.

tournesol

02-17-2004, 01:27 PM

Rasheed and Hewitt will next face either Czechs Martin Damm and Cyril Suk or Swedes Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Johansson.

that should be interesting, the czechs pair is quite strong if i'm not mistaken whereas the swedes should bring extra motivation to LL

Doubles pair cause for concern
Raemon Sluiter and Martin Verkerk were made to swallow a bitter pill on Monday. They didnít stand a chance against Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Rasheed, and lost 4-6, 1-6.

The Australians very much teamed up for the occasion - Hewitt rarely plays doubles and Rasheed usually coaches him. So did their appearance have anything to do with a bet? Not according to Hewitt: "No, I simply havenít played for several weeks, and I wanted to play a match before my first singles encounter."

The defeat was a considerable setback for Sluiter and Verkerk, who are friends as well as doubles partners. They very much want to be the regular Davis Cup pair, and also hope to compete in the Olympic Games in Athens, later this year. Says Sluiter: "Believe me, we are very disappointed. We are highly motivated and keen as mustard. At the beginning of the year, we agreed to play as many doubles tournaments as we could. Weíd very much like to play in the Davis Cup team and at the Olympic Games. Although we have to be realistic, I think it is too early to conclude that weíre not a suitable doubles pair. After all, weíve reached two finals in the past."

During the recent Davis Cup match against Canada in Maastricht, Verkerk was slightly sceptical about their prospects. Although he was equally sceptical on Monday, he wasnít downhearted: "itís not working as it should at the moment. We have to improve several aspects of our game, which we need to sit down and talk about. We either play extremely well or extremely badly - thereís nothing in between. But I think itís too early to call it a day now."

Davis Cup captain Tjerk Bogtstra shares their opinion: "Mondayís match wasnít good enough. Itís certainly something that we need to talk about, and weíll do just that before too long."

Jess

02-18-2004, 01:28 PM

Anyone know if Lleyton's match has started yet? The scoreboards up with their names on but it's been saying 0-0 for the last ten minutes :unsure: Wish they'd get a move on.

tournesol

02-18-2004, 01:31 PM

Anyone know if Lleyton's match has started yet? The scoreboards up with their names on but it's been saying 0-0 for the last ten minutes :unsure: Wish they'd get a move on.

the previous match just ended around 10 min ago; i think there's always a kind of 'blank' time, hopefully they will start soon

Jess

02-18-2004, 01:32 PM

Yep looks like it's just begun :)

C'mon Lleyton :bounce:

tournesol

02-18-2004, 01:39 PM

Yep looks like it's just begun :)

C'mon Lleyton :bounce:

0-1 bp LL

tournesol

02-18-2004, 01:40 PM

2-0 LL keep it this way

Jess

02-18-2004, 01:41 PM

Good start :) Just keep it going now.

Jess

02-18-2004, 01:43 PM

3-0 :)

tournesol

02-18-2004, 01:43 PM

Good start :) Just keep it going now.

3-0

Socket

02-18-2004, 01:44 PM

Nice to see some other Lleyton fans here! Is anybody watching this on television?

star

02-18-2004, 01:45 PM

:woohoo: Lleyton!!

3-0 and TWO break points

Jess

02-18-2004, 01:48 PM

No I haven't got it on tv. Just the scoreboard.

3-1.

Jess

02-18-2004, 01:49 PM

break point Gonazales :p

tournesol

02-18-2004, 01:50 PM

same here
edit well handled 4-1 LL :)

Jess

02-18-2004, 01:50 PM

4-1 :) Nothing to worry about really ;)

Socket

02-18-2004, 01:51 PM

Thanks. I've got the s/b up now, too. Oh, dear, two BP lost, but Lleyton did fight off two BPs against him. Let's get it together again, Lleyton! Star, that "woohoo" animation is adorable!

star

02-18-2004, 01:52 PM

You can do it too. just type : woohoo : except leave out the spaces. :)

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands : Lleyton Hewitt jumped a jet-lagged Fernando Gonzalez, dispatching the Chilean with a brief 6-2, 6-1 effort to vault into the second round of the 842,000-euro Rotterdam World Tennis.

Hewitt, who had a week off after Australia's Davis Cup loss in Adelaide to Sweden, took his time in getting to Europe.

Advertisement

It was the opposite for Gonzalez, winner of a title at home on Sunday who arrived in the Dutch port city only on Tuesday.

The fatigue factor played a huge role, with the South American having little to offer in the 55-minute thrashing at the Ahoy stadium.

The win moved sixth seed Hewitt into a second-round contest against the winner from Swede Thomas Johansson and French qualifier Thierry Ascione.

Johansson, the 2002 Australian Open champion who missed 14 months with a knee injury and surgery, would be the last Swedish survivor after compatriot Jonas Bjorkman was ambushed 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (10/8) by unknown Czech qualifier Tomas Cakl, ranked 213 and playing his first ATP-level match of the season.

Defending champion Max Mirnyi, the Belarus Belter, recovered from a losing cause in the first set to overhaul Armenian Sargis Sargsian 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 to begin his title defence.

German third seed Rainer Schuettler claimed the first spot in the quarter-finals as he easily overcame Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-4.

Hewitt kept Gonzalez under pressure from the start, forcing the 23-year-old to save break points in game after game.

"Every match is tough, but I felt fresh and I knew he'd had a long flight," said the Australian.

"I also played doubles here on Monday, so I know the conditions.

"I have a lot of respect for Gonzalez, he did win a title last week" said the former World No 1. "But I concentrated on my game, It was fine to get a win in straight sets.

"He gives you no rhythm, you just have to try and weather the storm," he said in a comment on the hard-hitting, go-for-broke Gonzalez attack style.

"I moved well and ran down most of his good shots."

Hewitt, winner of his 20th title in Sydney last month, stands 10-1 on the season. Gonzalez lifted his fourth ATP title in Vina del Mar without dropping a set and beating Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil in the final.

- AFP

Scotso

02-18-2004, 06:22 PM

Damn, Lleyt kicked ass!

kit

02-18-2004, 08:29 PM

Well done Lleyton :worship:
And good luck for tomorrow!!! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Angele

02-18-2004, 08:51 PM

Well done Lley :yeah:

star

02-18-2004, 10:59 PM

Yes, 6-2, 6-1, way to go, Lleyton! He got very dominant at the end. :woohoo:

It was really nice "talking" to you other fans during the match! I hope to see you here again. Thanks for being so friendly. :)

:) Glad to see you got the woohoo guy going, Socket.

star

02-18-2004, 11:00 PM

I was pretty sure that Gonzo was going to come into this match with nothing in the tank. But, I'm happy Ll got the easy win. :)

i wonder why i got the Blue Screen of Death just after the second point :scratch:

Danni

02-19-2004, 08:06 AM

well done Lleyton!!....a scoreline even Kim could be proud of ;)

Jess

02-19-2004, 11:15 AM

Good start Ll - break his serve in this first game :)

Jess

02-19-2004, 11:47 AM

OK - the scoreboard seems to have frozen... unless somene called an injury break or something :unsure:

star

02-19-2004, 11:49 AM

Blue death screen! :scared:

star

02-19-2004, 11:51 AM

I've got it Lley serving at 3-2

star

02-19-2004, 11:53 AM

I'm really torn on this one guys because I love TJ too.

But, Lleyton sort of needs the win more than TJ right now..... even though it would be great for TJ to beat Lley.. got to think that it is worse for Lleyton to lose to TJ than for TJ to lose to Lleyton.

So goes my convuluted thinking when two guys I really like are playing.

star

02-19-2004, 11:53 AM

30 all

Jess

02-19-2004, 11:54 AM

Yeah 3-2 and 30-30
But it's been like that for about fifteen minutes :unsure: So it's either broken or suspended.

star

02-19-2004, 11:55 AM

Lleyton is serving like crap. 5 doubles so far.

tournesol

02-19-2004, 11:56 AM

I'm really torn on this one guys because I love TJ too.

But, Lleyton sort of needs the win more than TJ right now..... even though it would be great for TJ to beat Lley.. got to think that it is worse for Lleyton to lose to TJ than for TJ to lose to Lleyton.

So goes my convuluted thinking when two guys I really like are playing.

:wavey: ladies

Jess

02-19-2004, 11:56 AM

and only 59% first serve :o

tournesol

02-19-2004, 11:59 AM

and only 59% first serve :o

:fiery: scoreboard

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:00 PM

Oh the scoreboard appears to be working again :mad:
It's gone into a tiebreak.

star

02-19-2004, 12:00 PM

I couldnt' decide if that was percentage of first serves in or percentage of first serve points won. Either way....

And now TJ got the break back ---- TIEBREAK

GOOOOOOOOOO LLEYTON!!

star

02-19-2004, 12:01 PM

7 double faults now.

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:01 PM

Actually I think the stats are saying he's only had 1 double fault

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:02 PM

The 7 is points on his 2nd serve I think

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:03 PM

Where are you getting those stats? The s/b I'm seeing doesn't have those numbers.

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:03 PM

Actually I think the stats are saying he's only had 1 double fault

3-3 get focused LL

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:04 PM

Where are you getting those stats? The s/b I'm seeing doesn't have those numbers.

look at the bottom of the s/b (on the right)

star

02-19-2004, 12:06 PM

Cripes. 6 all

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:08 PM

Cripes. 6 all

7-6 finish it pleease

star

02-19-2004, 12:08 PM

set point for Lleyton... on his serve!!!!

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:08 PM

Great - 7-6 :) Well done - please make the second set less eventful!

elsie

02-19-2004, 12:08 PM

he won the first set !!! go lleyton !!!!

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:08 PM

7-6 finish it pleease

thank you :)

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:11 PM

Great - 7-6 :) Well done - please make the second set less eventful!

yes let us breath

star

02-19-2004, 12:12 PM

I think I was all confused there.... lol......... not so unusual........ I'll blame it on the early morning hour and I've not been able to tear myself away for coffee yet. :)

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:13 PM

I see 1 DF for first set. The numbers don't line up with the captions, though.

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:13 PM

1-0 LL

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:15 PM

No problem, Star! Let's hope the second set is really quick, and you get some caffeine in you! LOL

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:21 PM

2-1 LL

star

02-19-2004, 12:22 PM

It says Double Fault... and then gives the number 3 and a percentage point....

Also it has Aces.... and it looks like Lley has a second serve ace!?!

Scotso

02-19-2004, 12:26 PM

go Lleyt :D

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:27 PM

It says Double Fault... and then gives the number 3 and a percentage point....

Also it has Aces.... and it looks like Lley has a second serve ace!?!

It's just not lined up very well in the stats table.
He's got 1 double fault in the second set. The number three is supposed to be points on second service 3/6%
The Aces says 2/0 so he has two aces on his first serve and 0 on his second.

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:27 PM

pick it up LL

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:29 PM

He just got broke . . .

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:29 PM

I think he's just been broken 3-2 TJ.

Scotso

02-19-2004, 12:31 PM

Pf Lleyton, finish this please :rolleyes:

star

02-19-2004, 12:31 PM

And I see his first serve has worsened in this set!

And more of the doubles........ of course.... the scoreboard might not be reliable.

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:32 PM

He's serving at 47% (bad boy!) and has two DFs.

Scotso

02-19-2004, 12:33 PM

maybe I should spank him :drool:

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:37 PM

Well at least he held serve this time :unsure:

star

02-19-2004, 12:37 PM

Lleyton needs badly to break back here.

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:38 PM

:) I promise to visit you in the hospital, if you try. :D

star

02-19-2004, 12:39 PM

I've got him at five double faults and 4 aces.

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:40 PM

He's serving at 47% (bad boy!) and has two DFs.

unfortunately this LL ordinary average :rolleyes:

star

02-19-2004, 12:40 PM

:) I promise to visit you in the hospital, if you try. :D

:)

Scott uses any old excuse to spank Lley. ;)

Scotso

02-19-2004, 12:40 PM

I gotta go to class :wavey:

Good luck Lleyt!

star

02-19-2004, 12:40 PM

Bye Bye Scott

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:40 PM

3-5 LL wake up

star

02-19-2004, 12:41 PM

Not a sniff at breaking TJ

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:42 PM

This is rather concerning :p
Third set here we come :rolleyes:

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:45 PM

The 5 DFs is for both sets, with 2 in the second. TJ now serving the set. :-(

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:46 PM

No, sorry, 4 DFs in the second set. He's definitely pressing on his serve.

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:47 PM

30-0 on TJ's serve.... keep fighting - we don't want a 3rd set ;)

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:48 PM

5-5 hold now

Socket

02-19-2004, 12:48 PM

5 all! Lleyton broke back ! Well done!

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:48 PM

And after four games of not getting close - he breaks TJ to love! This is a very strange match ;)

Angele

02-19-2004, 12:49 PM

:wavey: Hi Lleyton fans!

Can somebody catch me up on the match?

star

02-19-2004, 12:50 PM

:bounce: :bounce:

Lleyton!!!!

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:51 PM

Hi ange,
He won the first set on a tiebreak after losing a break :rolleyes:
Then played not well through the second set but seems to be picking it up just in time now ;)

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:51 PM

pheew

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:52 PM

This is quite an impressive comeback ;)

star

02-19-2004, 12:52 PM

Just read back, Angele............. It's too dreadful. Up a break in the first.... broken back.... while the scoreboard was dead........ nail biting tiebreak... won the set... Miserable serving..... horrible....... broken early in the second set....... no break back chances, and then broke TJ to love.... 5 all now.

Angele

02-19-2004, 12:52 PM

So then it's 7-6 5-5 in Lley's favor?

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:53 PM

Just read back, Angele............. It's too dreadful. Up a break in the first.... broken back.... while the scoreboard was dead........ nail biting tiebreak... won the set... Miserable serving..... horrible....... broken early in the second set....... no break back chances, and then broke TJ to love.... 5 all now.

but we're still alive :D

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:54 PM

Yes 6-5 Ll now TJ serving :)

star

02-19-2004, 12:54 PM

I smell a tiebreak

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:54 PM

6-5 LL

TJ serving 30-0

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:54 PM

Oh great - 40-0 to TJ on serve.... I have to go out in a minute as well :rolleyes: Please finish it quickly!

tournesol

02-19-2004, 12:55 PM

TB here it is

star

02-19-2004, 12:57 PM

but we're still alive :D

barely

;)

:woohoo: 3-1

Jess

02-19-2004, 12:58 PM

3-2 :p I am not enjoying this

star

02-19-2004, 12:58 PM

They traded mini breaks there....... grrrrrr..

star

02-19-2004, 12:58 PM

This is a horrible match.

star

02-19-2004, 12:59 PM

A great match for Lleyton haters.

star

02-19-2004, 12:59 PM

LLEYTON..... He's SO close!!!!

star

02-19-2004, 01:00 PM

one mini break back to TJ. 5-3

star

02-19-2004, 01:01 PM

Yes!!!! 3 match points coming up. :kiss:

duck

02-19-2004, 01:01 PM

one mini break back to TJ. 5-3

Oh for the love of sweet Jesus, come on!

Jess

02-19-2004, 01:02 PM

Lleyton :woohoo:

Just pick it up A LOT for you next game please :)

star

02-19-2004, 01:02 PM

Bless you Lleyton! :hug:

:woohoo:

Angele

02-19-2004, 01:02 PM

Did he win?

tournesol

02-19-2004, 01:03 PM

LL your faithful fans would apppreciate to be duly warned when you intend to practice your 'coming back' skills

:clap2: well done

Socket

02-19-2004, 01:03 PM

Yes, 7-6, 7-6. Lleyton pulled it out! That's the mark of a great player, he wins even when he's not playing his best. Well done, Lleyton. And congratulations to TJ on playing so tough so soon after his long layoff.

Angele

02-19-2004, 01:03 PM

I'm going to assume he did ;)

Well done Lley :yeah:

Jess

02-19-2004, 01:03 PM

He won! 7-6 7-6

star

02-19-2004, 01:03 PM

Don't you know that our guy was digging deep out there to scrape out a win when he didn't have his game going for him?

I love Lleyton's competitive heart.

duck

02-19-2004, 01:03 PM

That was not such a good match. But a win's a win and in two sets. Well done to you brave souls that gnawed your nails for the full match. :kiss:

star

02-19-2004, 01:04 PM

Good luck to Pavel. ;)

Jess

02-19-2004, 01:04 PM

LL your faithful fans would apppreciate to be duly warned when you intend to practice your 'coming back' skills

:clap2: well done

:lol: :lol:

Socket

02-19-2004, 01:04 PM

Thanks to all the fans who make watching the scoreboard so much fun. It's great to talk to you all. Hopefully, we can do this tomorrow during the QF.

Angele

02-19-2004, 01:06 PM

That was not such a good match. But a win's a win and in two sets. Well done to you brave souls that gnawed your nails for the full match. :kiss:
Ditto that :worship: I'm glad I only woke up a half hour ago :o

Socket

02-19-2004, 01:07 PM

OK, now I really do have to go to work! Bye, bye, all.

Angele

02-19-2004, 01:07 PM

:wavey: Socket!

duck

02-19-2004, 01:08 PM

I thought it'd be a bit smoother than it proved. So that's one well-executed win over a hard-hitting opponent and one fighting, pulled-it-out-of-the-fire win. :yeah:

Jess

02-19-2004, 01:11 PM

Whose he got in the next round?

Angele

02-19-2004, 01:17 PM

I have no idea who Lleyt plays next :o :scratch:

Angele

02-19-2004, 01:19 PM

How about we move over to the chat thread now that the match is over?

Jess

02-19-2004, 01:20 PM

He plays Schettler next :unsure:

Angele

02-19-2004, 01:22 PM

That'll be a tough one but it could definetly be worse at this stage of a tournament!

star

02-19-2004, 01:27 PM

At least we are all in a tournament thread cheering. :)

It's very good to have Lleyton back on the tour.

tournesol

02-19-2004, 01:39 PM

At least we are all in a tournament thread cheering. :)

It's very good to have Lleyton back on the tour.

we want more :cool:

tournesol

02-19-2004, 02:10 PM

Thanks to all the fans who make watching the scoreboard so much fun. It's great to talk to you all. Hopefully, we can do this tomorrow during the QF.

do you mind giving us a bit more details about yourself?

my name's danielle, i'm living in belgium and i'm very curious :o

Socket

02-19-2004, 03:08 PM

do you mind giving us a bit more details about yourself?

my name's danielle, i'm living in belgium and i'm very curious :o

Well, I live in the States (east coast), and I've been a tennis fans for just about forever. :) My mother is a big fan, so I learned from her. I started following Lleyton since right before he marched up the rankings to the top 10. Love his enthusiasm and determination. He reminds me of Jimmy Connors at his best, fighting to the very end. :D

Lleyton Hewitt: "Davis Cup tennis is very important to me"
He is exceptionally energetic and fights to the very end. Australian Lleyton Hewitt, crowd-puller and former world No 1, made his debut at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament on Wednesday. Having taken a week off, he is eager as ever.

The first trophy you ever lifted was the Windmill Cup, which you won in Leeuwarden (the Netherlands). Do you have fond memories of the Low Countries?

"Yeah I remember the tournament. I still have that cup too. I won it when I was thirteen years old."

This is your first time in Rotterdam. What made you decide to come?

"I have never played an indoor tournament at this time of year. Last year, I watched my fiancťe Kim Clijsters play in Antwerp. It was fun, but I was happy to do something else this year."

You beat Martin Verkerk and Raemon Sluiter together with your coach Roger Rasheed. Did it give you a sense of satisfaction?

"It was great to beat them in front of their home crowd. I would normally have played with Mark Philippoussis, and everybody thought I was joking when Roger and I entered the doubles tournament. :lol: He hasnít played a competitive match in thirteen years. Luckily Krajicek took us seriously and gave us a wild card."

Is your fiancťe Kim Clijsters here this week?

"Sheís playing in Antwerp, which is only down the road."

Do you speak Dutch yet?

"No, I donít. Itís a very difficult language. Everybody here also speaks English, which doesnít make it any easier to pick up a few words."

Australia was beaten by Sweden in the first round of the Davis Cup. Does that mean youíll be focussing on your own game this year?

"I was very disappointed when we lost, but sometimes things just donít go your way. It does have its advantages Ė Iíll be able to take a few more breaks."

The Davis Cup final is always played towards the end of the year. Do you think thatís a good idea?

"No, I think it should be changed. The finalists should not have to play in the first round. Look at what happened to Juan Carlos Ferrero. He played in the Davis Cup final against Australia, and subsequently suffered a muscle injury during the Australian Open. It makes you wonder who benefits from the final being played so late. To make matters worse, you donít even have time to enjoy your victory, particularly if youíre Australian. Our season starts almost immediately, and a lot is expected of us."

Are you toying with the idea of withdrawing from the Davis Cup team?

"I try to do all I can to accommodate the Davis Cup, and the remainder of my schedule is adjusted accordingly. In that sense, this year will certainly be different."

You were the world No 1 in early 2003, but slipped to 17th place during the year. Do you think you could become the No 1 again this year?

"Itís not what Iím thinking about at the moment. Iíll try to win one or two Grand Slam tournaments, which will make it much easier to end the year at the top of the rankings."

You played fewer tournaments in 2003 than you did in previous years. Are you planning to play more tournaments this year?

"You donít have to make a court appearance every week to become the world No 1. I deliberately took some time off last year. It gave me the opportunity to spend some time at home and watch some Australian football. Loved it! ;) Hadnít done it for years either."

Do you have a dinner date with Kim this week?

"No, I donít. I wouldnít know how to get to Antwerp anyway." :lol:

Any plans to get married this year?

"I doubt it. We havenít set a date yet."

tournesol

02-19-2004, 03:27 PM

thanks for the pics and the interview

:
Do you have a dinner date with Kim this week?

"No, I donít. I wouldnít know how to get to Antwerp anyway." :lol:

i'm sure there would be lots of volunteers to help him find his way :p

CooCooCachoo

02-19-2004, 03:31 PM

I saw Lleyton's match against Fernando Gonzalez, and I must say I was very much impressed. He played really well, although I must say that Gonzalez on hard court might be close to an ideal opponent for Lleyton, since he can just counterattack or defend; Fernando will make, and in fact made, the mistakes. I am by no means a Hewitt fan, but I appreciated watching this match.

i wonder why i got the Blue Screen of Death just after the second point :scratch:

Maybe a bandwidth problem? I'm using a very fast connection at work. I couldn't get squat at home with my dial-up.

Jess

02-19-2004, 06:37 PM

Lleyton's interview

Lleyton Hewitt: "Davis Cup tennis is very important to me"

He is exceptionally energetic and fights to the very end. Australian Lleyton Hewitt, crowd-puller and former world No 1, made his debut at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament on Wednesday. Having taken a week off, he is eager as ever.

The first trophy you ever lifted was the Windmill Cup, which you won in Leeuwarden (the Netherlands). Do you have fond memories of the Low Countries?

"Yeah I remember the tournament. I still have that cup too. I won it when I was thirteen years old."

This is your first time in Rotterdam. What made you decide to come?

"I have never played an indoor tournament at this time of year. Last year, I watched my fiancťe Kim Clijsters play in Antwerp. It was fun, but I was happy to do something else this year."

You beat Martin Verkerk and Raemon Sluiter together with your coach Roger Rasheed. Did it give you a sense of satisfaction?

"It was great to beat them in front of their home crowd. I would normally have played with Mark Philippoussis, and everybody thought I was joking when Roger and I entered the doubles tournament. He hasnít played a competitive match in thirteen years. Luckily Krajicek took us seriously and gave us a wild card."

Is your fiancťe Kim Clijsters here this week?

"Sheís playing in Antwerp, which is only down the road."

Do you speak Dutch yet?

"No, I donít. Itís a very difficult language. Everybody here also speaks English, which doesnít make it any easier to pick up a few words."

Australia was beaten by Sweden in the first round of the Davis Cup. Does that mean youíll be focussing on your own game this year?

"I was very disappointed when we lost, but sometimes things just donít go your way. It does have its advantages Ė Iíll be able to take a few more breaks."

The Davis Cup final is always played towards the end of the year. Do you think thatís a good idea?

"No, I think it should be changed. The finalists should not have to play in the first round. Look at what happened to Juan Carlos Ferrero. He played in the Davis Cup final against Australia, and subsequently suffered a muscle injury during the Australian Open. It makes you wonder who benefits from the final being played so late. To make matters worse, you donít even have time to enjoy your victory, particularly if youíre Australian. Our season starts almost immediately, and a lot is expected of us."

Are you toying with the idea of withdrawing from the Davis Cup team?

"I try to do all I can to accommodate the Davis Cup, and the remainder of my schedule is adjusted accordingly. In that sense, this year will certainly be different."

You were the world No 1 in early 2003, but slipped to 17th place during the year. Do you think you could become the No 1 again this year?

"Itís not what Iím thinking about at the moment. Iíll try to win one or two Grand Slam tournaments, which will make it much easier to end the year at the top of the rankings."

You played fewer tournaments in 2003 than you did in previous years. Are you planning to play more tournaments this year?

"You donít have to make a court appearance every week to become the world No 1. I deliberately took some time off last year. It gave me the opportunity to spend some time at home and watch some Australian football. Loved it! Hadnít done it for years either."